Ex-Kalinga town mayor charged with malversation

TANUDAN, Kalinga -- Former Mayor Francisca P. Cawi of this town has been charged with malversation before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly misappropriating P2.9 million worth of public funds.

She was slapped with a violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code in the charge sheet filed by assistant special prosecutor Anthea Magpantay.

From June 2004 to June 2007, Cawi was accused of abusing and taking advantage of her official position when she obtained custody of Landbank of the Philippines checks issued in her name with the total amount of P2,905,243.83.

These checks represented cash advances received from the coffers of Tanudan, supposedly to defray expenses and municipal obligations.

However, Cawi failed to liquidate the account despite demands for her to do so.

Magpantay said in the charge sheet that Cawi “converted the money to her personal use and benefit, to the damage and prejudice to the government.”

Her bail bond for her temporary liberty is P40,000.